The Philadelphia Chapter of Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-Philadelphia), the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today questioned whether federal authorities revoked the visa of a Temple University student due to peaceful anti-genocide activism in defense of Palestinian rights, as has occurred at other universities.
In an email to Temple University community, President John Fry noted that an international student’s visa was revoked, and the student had left the United States. Fry wrote: “The allegations supporting the revocation are unknown at this time.”
While President Fry noted that there was no ICE activity on campus and the university had reached out to advise and support the student, CAIR-Philadelphia noted that aggressive action by universities in the area, including Temple University, has contributed to the vilification of, and eventual harm against, student protestors.
In a statement, CAIR-Philadelphia Legal Director Attorney Adam Attia said:
“This is a critical moment for civil rights in our nation and all concerned citizens should be alarmed by violations of constitutionally-protected activities by the Trump administration. We must know if this student was targeted by the government because of peaceful anti-genocide activism, as were other students around the country.”
Attia noted that all concerned students should reach out to CAIR-Philadelphia for a consultation and referral to immigration attorneys by completing the intake form at: https://pa.cair.com/report
Last week, CAIR issued a guidance on travel and free speech rights in light of recent developments.
Last month, CAIR’s Massachusetts chapter condemned the abduction of Tufts graduate student Rumeysa Ozturk by federal immigration authorities.
Earlier today, CAIR designated Virginia’s George Mason University (GMU) as a “hostile campus” due to its targeting of Palestinian, Muslim, Arab, Jewish, and other students, staff, and faculty who stand against occupation, apartheid, and genocide.
CAIR’s mission is to protect civil rights, enhance understanding of Islam, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.
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CONTACT: CAIR-Philadelphia Legal Director Adam Attia, Esq. Aattia@cair.com ; CAIR-Philadelphia Executive Director Ahmet Tekelioglu atekelioglu@cair.com, 617-401-5397